Policy Number: SRP 041
Policy Name: Dynamic Lycra Splinting
Status: Not Funded
Effective Date: 1 April 2024
Next Review Date: 1 April 2029
Dynamic Lycra Splinting is provided for a small cohort of people with cerebral palsy as part of some commissioned community health care services but is not funded separately.
Background
Lycra splints are made-to-measure and consist of sections of lycra stitched together using specific tension, direction of pull, type of material (e.g. water absorbent for under the arms) and thickness. Boning can be included to give extra support. Splints range from hand splints to full body garments. The closeness and tightness of the splint fitting increases proprioception and helps to increase spatial awareness. In turn, this aids the reduction of any excessive tone and relaxes the patient with possible improvements in posture and gait.
Dynamic Lycra splinting is not suitable for patients who have fixed deformities of a bony nature which are not amenable to change.
Compliance has a significant role to play in determining outcome, as it does for all therapy and medical interventions. Problems with comfort, toileting issues, level of support needed to put on and take off the garments and carer / patient’s willingness to comply with treatment have been reported. The patient and family or carers, who may be assisting them to apply the splints, must be made fully aware of the commitment required to ensure success.
Evidence of Effectiveness
There has been very little research into the effectiveness of dynamic splinting. A Technology Scoping Report from Healthcare Improvement Scotland published in May 2013 concluded that
- There is limited clinical and cost-effectiveness evidence available
- Splinting may improve functional ability in some children with cerebral palsy
- There is no evidence relating to adults
Expert opinion suggests that younger children with athetoid disorders, those with quadriplegic palsy and those with neuromuscular disorders benefit the most.
Funding for patients outside commissioned services will only be granted in clinically exceptional circumstances.
Individual funding requests should only be made where the patient demonstrates clinical exceptionality.
Further information on applying for funding in exceptional clinical circumstances can be found on the ICB’s website.